Neuralink Achieves Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interface: ALS Patient Controls Robotic Arm with Thought Alone

Fast Technology, October 12 — According to media reports, Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company under Elon Musk, recently announced thatNew Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interface Technology: A Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Can Control a Robotic Arm Using Only Their Mind to Perform Daily Tasks Such as Drinking Water Independently.

In an online demonstration video, patient Nick Wray used a Neuralink brain implant to control a robotic arm, pick up a glass of water, and drink from it. This achievement brings new hope for restoring independence in patients with severe mobility impairments.

This breakthrough is part of Neuralink’s “CONVOY” clinical study, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which aims to test how implanted brain chips can help patients perform daily activities independently. Noland Arbaugh is the eighth participant to receive a Neuralink brain-computer interface implant.

In three experiments, each lasting eight hours, Ray used a brain-implanted chip to convert neural signals into Bluetooth commands, enabling him to control a robotic arm with his thoughts alone and successfully complete multiple tasks, including picking up a water cup, putting on a hat, heating food in a microwave, and opening a refrigerator.

During a demonstration, the robotic arm delivered a water cup to his mouth, enabling him to drink smoothly. Furthermore, he set a record in the dexterity test by moving 39 desktop cylinders within five minutes and completing a task involving the flipping of five puzzle-like pegs.

Neuralink launched its first human clinical trials in the United States in 2024, after previously being rejected by the FDA due to safety concerns; approval was granted only after improvements were made. To date, eight patients with severe paralysis have received the experimental brain chip implants, enabling them to interact with digital devices using thought alone.

Noland Arbaugh, the first recipient of the implant, demonstrated the ability to control a cursor and play video games using only his thoughts.However, his implanted chip experienced a malfunction in which approximately 85% of the fine wires detached from the brain tissue. Neuralink did not recall the device; instead, it optimized signal interpretation through algorithm updates, thereby maintaining the functional efficacy of the implant via software.

In August 2024, Neuralink announced the expansion of its clinical trials to the United Kingdom, launching research focused on paralyzed patients to further test whether its brain chip can control external devices through thought.

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